The Miss Universe 2023 held its national costume competition on Thursday in El Salvador, ahead of the final live show, which will stream on Roku on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. During the preliminary phase, 86 contestants walked onstage with costumes that represented their countries and different social causes.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt, who is an activist pro-immigration, celebrated the diversity of the United States with a costume inspired by American landmarks. Her look featured miniatures of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Washington Monument, the White House, and a replica of the Route 66 sign. She also added flags from different countries to represent immigrants.
Voigt’s costume was created by Blas Simon Villalba Rivas. It was completed with a sparkling corset bodysuit covered in sequins and crystals, and a matching headpiece and over-the-knee boots.
Miss Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee had one of the most viral moments of the night. Dee wore an airplane-inspired ensemble from designer Michael Barassi. “Giving justice to a concept that aims to promote tourism to the country WE ARE PROUD TO SHOWCASE TO THE UNIVERSE,” she wrote on Instagram.
Miss Brazil Maria Brechane paid homage to her country’s fauna with a costume inspired by blue macaws. But she wasn’t the only one taking inspiration from birds.
Miss Chile Celeste Viel spread her wings in a costume inspired by the national bird of her country, the Andean condor.
Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfu Acevedo took inspiration from the San Sebastián Street Festival, which that takes place in the Old San Juan, in honor of Saint Sebastian.
The Miss Universe 2023 competition will take place on Saturday in El Salvador and will feature a performance by John Legend. The event culminates with R’Bonney Gabriel crowning the 2023 Miss Universe. See more costumes in the gallery below.
